A Rainforest Trip

Sri Lanka Travel Blog

We were staying in Galle Fort and didn't
have enough time to go all the way to Deniyaya for a rainforest trek - so we
were delighted to discover that there is rainforest really close to Galle.
Rainforest Rescue International organised the eco-tour and picked us up from
our accommodation in an air-conditioned van. We drove for about an hour to get
to the reserve. The cost included all the entrance fees and guide fees, so it
was no hassle to enter.

We walked down a tree shadowed path into the
rainforest, and were soon seeing kangaroo lizards, butterflies, birds, spiders
and monkeys. We went through a low bat cave and there were tiny bats hanging in
the gloomy corners. To our surprise there were also frogs croaking - and if you
mimicked the call they would answer!

Our guide, Ajantha, had eagle eyes and was
pointing out all sorts of plants (such as wild garlic and medicinal herbs) as
well as snakes and birds that our untrained eyes just couldn't spot.

A sun-basking lizard

The walk
took us to a magnificent waterfall, where we also found that one person had
been bitten by a leech! Ajantha stuck some burnt paper on the bite to help the
bleeding. It didn't hurt and I guess is all part of the experience. Covering
your shoes and socks in salt beforehand is recommend though!

Finally, on our
way back, we heard a crashing through the trees and a giant squirrel leapt
past. They are very shy and we didn't have a chance to take a photo, but we saw
the flash of its yellow belly through the canopy. It is amazing that they can
stay up in the trees! It was our trip highlight, to see such magnificent forest
and animals in their natural habitat was truly amazing.